Elochukwu Benjamin
Awka
The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) has launched a weekly radio programme in Abia State aimed at expanding public conversations on civic freedoms, human rights, security and accountable governance across the South-East.
The programme, titled “Civic Spaces, Security and the People,” was launched in partnership with Spaces for Change (S4C), with support from the Action Group on Free Civic Spaces (AGFCS) and funding from the Global Fund for Human Rights (GFHR).
According to FENRAD, the initiative is designed to provide an accessible platform where citizens, civil society organisations, government institutions, security agencies and media practitioners can engage in constructive discussions on issues affecting their communities.
The one-hour programme will air every Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on SUN FM, Aba.
FENRAD said the broadcast would serve as a tool for civic education, community dialogue and public accountability by allowing listeners to ask questions, share experiences and engage relevant authorities on matters of public interest.
Topics lined up for discussion include freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, community security, police accountability, youth participation, gender inclusion, conflict prevention, peace-building, misinformation and access to credible information.
Speaking on the initiative, FENRAD Executive Director, Comrade Nelson Nwafor, said the programme was created to strengthen citizens’ participation in conversations about their rights, safety and communities.
“A safe society is one where citizens are not only protected from violence and insecurity but are also free to speak, organise, participate in governance and demand accountability without fear,” Nwafor said.
He added that the platform would encourage dialogue between citizens and institutions, foster mutual understanding and promote peaceful resolution of community challenges.
FENRAD maintained that effective security goes beyond enforcement, arguing that sustainable peace depends on public trust, community participation, access to information and respect for human rights.
The organisation said the programme would also feature experts, community leaders, security professionals, journalists, women, young people and persons with disabilities to ensure diverse perspectives on civic space and security issues.
It called on the Abia State Government, security agencies, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations, development partners and residents to actively participate in the programme, describing constructive engagement between citizens and public institutions as essential to accountable governance.
